The best things to do in Palm Desert

“Riverside’s Victoria Club has been doing it since 1903, quietly nailing the balance of play and unwind: an 18-hole course that stays interesting, tennis and pickleball, a proper pool scene, and legit dining for the post-match debrief. If you’ve been club-curious, this week’s a good time to peek via a tour.”

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Now open to the public, Canyon Crest Country Club pairs a championship 18-hole course with panoramic San Bernardino Mountains views and a clubhouse restaurant, The Overlook Bar & Grill. Grab a tee time, then linger for a bite while the fairways make your short game feel optimistic again.”

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, September 19, 2026

“A. and California Collectives to zine workshops that dust off your inner maker. Perfect Redlands reset when you need fresh visuals and a little spark.”

From the Riverside newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Woodhaven Country Club keeps it fun, fast, and fair on a friendly par-70, 18-hole layout with wide fairways, firm turf, and just enough bunkers to keep you honest. Open to the public, it’s the easy local pick for a quick round then a laid-back hang at The Vista Lounge.”

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Shadow Mountain Golf Course keeps things fun for locals with its 18-hole Let's Flamingo putting course, a wild, hilly green that can play easy or tricky, plus classic rounds that wind among modern architecture. Finish at Birdy Bar & Grill, or sneak in some swings on the golf simulator.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Palm Desert Aquatic Center keeps locals sane with legit lap lanes, splashy water slides, a splash playground and floating obstacle fun, plus water exercise classes when you want to call it a workout. Keep an eye on Dive-In Movies and Hot Summer Nights for easy, low-key plans this week.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 30, 2026

“The Oasis Country Club packs a breezy 60-par executive course threading past sparkling lakes, a Ted Robinson 18-hole putting course, and lighted tennis and pickleball courts for when the sun’s feeling extra.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“, a lively tennis and pickleball scene, interest groups from hiking and biking to book club, plus great clubhouse dining when you’re done playing.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Nick Faldo’s layout at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club pairs generous fairways with bold bunkers and postcard Santa Rosa views. Sneak in serious practice time, book a lesson at the Leadbetter Golf Academy, then high-five your round over something good at Giuseppe’s.”

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Locals head to The Golf Center at Palm Desert for real tune-ups, with a large two-sided, night lighted range, quality practice balls, chipping greens, a practice bunker and a putting green, and a 9-hole par-3 that keeps wedges honest. PGA pro instruction and First Tee – Coachella Valley give it a true community feel.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, September 10, 2026

“With mountain views and a course the SCPGA lists among its top 10, Desert Falls Country Club is a worthy excuse to sneak in a weekday round. Hit it, quit it, then slide into the club’s easygoing social scene for a well-earned catch up.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Public Art "Music" is a polished chrome and steel sculpture by Leonardo Nierman at the McCallum Theatre courtyard, a sleek 10-foot twist set within a reflecting pool that throws back desert light. Slip in for a two-minute pause and let the curves do the calming.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“With panoramic Santa Rosa and San Jacinto views, Palm Desert Resort Country Club is a Joe Mulleneaux-designed 18-hole championship playground where you can book a tee time, rally on pickleball or tennis, then linger over bites at the clubhouse or the Roadrunner café.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Desert Willow Golf Resort gives locals two distinct moods, with the newly renovated, bunker-studded Firecliff for precision junkies and the more forgiving Mountain View when you just want a scenic stroll. Warm up at the Palm Desert Golf Academy, then linger over California cuisine at The Terrace Restaurant.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Whether you're carving draws at sunrise or just in it for the clubhouse fork-and-knife afterglow, BIGHORN Golf Club brings world-class golf, fine dining, and a legit spa vibe together. A local’s move this week, if you can swing it… literally.”

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether you need a midweek reset or an excuse to flex that new wedge, PGA WEST Pete Dye Mountain Course delivers playability with teeth... pot bunkers, rock outcrops, elevated tees and well-bunkered greens tucked against the Santa Rosa Mountains, all open to everyday players.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Public Art "Peace Memorial" gives you a quick, midweek reset between errands in the valley, no reservation required. Slip by for two calm minutes that somehow stretch time, let the noise drop and your shoulders unclench, a gentle reminder that slowing down actually helps you get more done.”

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Arnold Palmer-designed Classic Club pairs tournament-level fairways, slate bridge views, and cascading-waterfall vibes with a clubhouse you’ll actually want to linger in, plus Bellatrix Restaurant for the post-round debrief.”

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 31, 2026